LÉVIS, QC, Feb. 19, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - On average, pet owners spend
$900 a year on healthcare for their four-legged friends. And when man's
best friend gets hurt or sick, pet owners are often faced with painful
decisions.

Today, Desjardins Insurance is pleased to offer peace of mind to pet owners should their dog or cat
need healthcare. With pet insurance from Desjardins Insurance, owners
can now enjoy the pleasure of having a pet without worrying about the
financial strain of veterinary expenses in the event of illness or
injury.

After talking to vets and pet owners, Desjardins Insurance decided to
develop a product that gives a financial boost to pet owners, so they
can provide healthcare for their dogs or cats. In some cases, pet
insurance may also cover a portion of routine check-up fees. Monthly
premiums range from $20 to $65, depending on the animal's breed and
age.

"For pet owners, having to spend a significant amount of money at the
vet can put a major strain on their budget or even to lead to painful
decisions. Our insurance was designed specifically to help them avoid
this type of unpleasant situation and get adequate healthcare for their
furry friends," said Denis Côté, vice-president of marketing,
Desjardins Insurance.

This product was developed by Desjardins Insurance in consultation with
Western Financial Insurance Company (WFIC), a subsidiary of Desjardins
Group with over 20 years of experience in pet insurance and the insurer
of choice among Canadian veterinarians.

About Desjardins Insurance

A unit of Desjardins Group, Desjardins Insurance provides home and auto insurance to consumers
across the country and commercial insurance to businesses in Quebec.
With 3,700 employees across Canada, a portfolio of more than 2 million
policies in force, gross written premiums of $1.9 billion and assets of
over $4 billion, DGIG ranks among the largest P&C insurers in Canada.